Looking at an 06 Golf GTI... Need advice.

[andrew92]

Hi everyone!

I am looking at purchasing a 2006 MK5 Golf DSG with 83,000 kms on the clock.

The vehicle, despite the low kms, looks to be a little rough (scratches & dents).
The A/C is not working (blows air but it doesn't get cold) and the check engine light is on. However I am willing to invest time, effort and money if I can get it at the right price and it isn't a lemon.

Can anyone recommend a good place to take the vehicle for a pre purchase inspection & that can decode the check engine fault in Melbourne Victoria?

I have read the compressor is a common thing to go on the MK5 Golfs, so I understand that it most likely has to be replaced (~$1000).

The engine light is the most worrying part, from reading I have a suspicion that it may be timing belt related. I have driven the vehicle and it feels fine (suspension feels solid, DSG seems to shift well and it accelerated well despite some lag). I stupidly forgot to check service books though.

Would love to hear any insight or opinions anyone may have.
I have owned a MK6 TDI in the past that went through a DSG gearbox under warranty, so I just want to avoid buying a lemon. I however would like to get myself back into a Golf as they are incredibly fun to drive.

Thanks guys.

[AUC-05L]

Hi everyone!

I am looking at purchasing a 2006 MK5 Golf DSG with 83,000 kms on the clock.

The vehicle, despite the low kms, looks to be a little rough (scratches & dents).
The A/C is not working (blows air but it doesn't get cold) and the check engine light is on. However I am willing to invest time, effort and money if I can get it at the right price and it isn't a lemon.

Can anyone recommend a good place to take the vehicle for a pre purchase inspection & that can decode the check engine fault in Melbourne Victoria?

I have read the compressor is a common thing to go on the MK5 Golfs, so I understand that it most likely has to be replaced (~$1000).

The engine light is the most worrying part, from reading I have a suspicion that it may be timing belt related. I have driven the vehicle and it feels fine (suspension feels solid, DSG seems to shift well and it accelerated well despite some lag). I stupidly forgot to check service books though.

Would love to hear any insight or opinions anyone may have.
I have owned a MK6 TDI in the past that went through a DSG gearbox under warranty, so I just want to avoid buying a lemon. I however would like to get myself back into a Golf as they are incredibly fun to drive.

Thanks guys.

There are so many gti's out there for cheap if you have any hesitation I would walk away. Even something with under 140k km that's been taken care of will be a reliable car, speaking from experience. Just make sure the timing belt has been changed.

Check engine light could be the aircon issue. Scan will tell you what it is.

DSG as long as it's fairly smooth through the gears. Also see if its been serviced.

Interior plastics wear out particularly switches but are a cheap fix. Also check roof lining make sure it's not sagging.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[andrew92]

There are so many gti's out there for cheap if you have any hesitation I would walk away. Even something with under 140k km that's been taken care of will be a reliable car, speaking from experience. Just make sure the timing belt has been changed.

Check engine light could be the aircon issue. Scan will tell you what it is.

DSG as long as it's fairly smooth through the gears. Also see if its been serviced.

Interior plastics wear out particularly switches but are a cheap fix. Also check roof lining make sure it's not sagging.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

Interior plastics are very worn, but I would enjoy changing them over myself and possibly vinyl wrapping what I cant change.

The guy believes it is the timing belt. I am happy to get the belt replaced, but would you know if it could be an indication of any other problems?

[JustCruisn]

The guy believes it is the timing belt. I am happy to get the belt replaced, but would you know if it could be an indication of any other problems?

Why would an engine light come on for a timing belt ? If the belt is buggered the engine will be stuffed and likely not run.

There are so many things it could be; a scan is the only way to find out.
Oxygen sensor, vacuum issue, misfire issue all sorts of things.

AC compressors have a valve which often fails, this can be replaced itself, you need to find someone who knows about it and is prepared to do just the valve.

[andrew92]

Why would an engine light come on for a timing belt ? If the belt is buggered the engine will be stuffed and likely not run.

There are so many things it could be; a scan is the only way to find out.
Oxygen sensor, vacuum issue, misfire issue all sorts of things.

AC compressors have a valve which often fails, this can be replaced itself, you need to find someone who knows about it and is prepared to do just the valve.

That's very true, I guess it all comes down to performing the scan.

I have found a place down here, Prestige Auto Works, which will do a comprehensive pre purchase inspection for $250.
So if the seller is willing to negotiate due to these factors, the inspection is the next step.

Any other common issues for me to look out for?

[JustCruisn]

Is the seller stating that the price reflects the issues noted ?
Is the car sold as roadworthy & registered ? It sounds like it is not, as the CEL would fail the roadworthy.

I would say that Prestige Auto Works would give you a full quote/estimate to fix all the issues they find, disclose these cost to the seller when you make a counter offer.

And for common issues the mechanic should know what to look for.